LIVE REVIEW: Nothing More @ Academy 3, Manchester

Touring the UK is the killer line-up of IN SEARCH OF SUN, SHVPES, and NOTHING MORE. Each band brings a new level of breaking the rules and throwing convention off a twelve story building. No line-up will ever be quite like this.

Photo Credit: Jakk Smith

IN SEARCH OF SUN started the evening and one thing was obvious: they have a very dedicated fan base; the crowd was right up on the barrier and singing along from the first song and celebratory cheers could be heard throughout the gig as song intros were recognised. Rory Kay (guitar) is in possession of some inspirational dreadlocks, although whilst on stage it’s unclear whether he or the dreadlocks are playing. Upon being asked about this, he admits, he’s unclear as well, either way it certainly works. Towards the end of their set, Adam Leader (vocals) introduced a song so new, it’s still untitled. However, considering the season, its working title is Secret Santa. Merry Christmas. About the show they said: “We once played to just the sound guy who was also on the bar! So this was wonderful.”

Rating: 8/10

Photo Credit: Jakk Smith

Next up on stage were SHVPES (previously CYTOTA) who teased the audience with songs from their new album (due for release next year) to gauge audience opinion of their new sound, alongside playing their two very popular singles, and first songs released as SHVPES, State Of Mine and Shapes. The normally quiet and composed Griffin Dickinson (vocals) had the energy of four men up on stage, and was determined that the audience was going to match him. When encouragement didn’t achieve this goal, he got to know the crowd mid-song on the barrier and commanded “if you’ve got heads, fucking bang them!” Harry Jennings (drums) said the spirit of the band is “why can’t we do that?” and Griffin so when decided that the mosh pits were not to his standard, he came off the stage to start one himself which happily continued until the end.

Rating: 9/10

Photo Credit: Jakk Smith

Rounding up the unusual night was Texas born and bred NOTHING MORE who entranced the audience from the first song, especially as Jonny Hawkins (vocals, drum) achieved new heights standing on his own drum at the front of stage. Before long, the crowd had become a surging mass, jumping in time to the songs, with many belting out the lyrics. Everyone in the room had forgotten that this was a weekday show and tomorrow held work, the atmosphere was pure party. This was furthered by Jonny declaration that everyone there was ‘now part of the family’ which typifies the friendly nature of both crowd and band. For a good evening and a chance to make new friends, NOTHING MORE are the band to see. They rounded off the gig with a gentle rendition of Jenny, which was moving to be a part of, and then they had ‘no fake encore shit’ but ended with an honest final song.

Rating: 9/10

Check out our exclusive photo gallery of the night’s action in Manchester below: